2004 Hall of Fame

Pete Youngblood worked hard for education. Henderson County School Board Chairman from 1954-1970, during the “Foster-Youngblood” administration, Pete modernized county schools through major consolidation in 1960. School construction and additions included Edneyville and Hillandale Elementary. He lobbied groups and individuals to gain public support for consolidation of six high schools into three including East and West High Schools.

2004 Education Hall of Fame

Principal of East Flat Rock School for more than 20 years, Bessie Steedman was fondly known as “Miss Bessie” to her students. An educator for 40 years, she made history as the first principal of Rosa Edwards School, where she served for many years. A local newspaper editorial labeled her for her “affection and devotion” and for her efficiency as an educational pioneer.

2004 Education Hall of Fame

Principal of Hendersonville High during the Depression and World War II eras, Leslie Singley was both strict and kind and was described as “the man” who was law and gospel. Known affectionately as “Pop” among the students, but “Mr. Singley” to his face, he had respect from them and loved every child in school – good and bad. He secured several patents, one being the Singley Sanding Drum, a power woodworking accessory tool he invented while teaching mechanical drawing and manual training, known today as “shop.”

2004 Education Hall of Fame

A teacher in local all black schools for 39 years, Odell Rouse began her career in 1926 in the Old Sixth Avenue School and ended it when the Ninth Avenue Union School (which had replaced the Old Sixth Avenue School) closed in 1965 as integration began. She once said the Ninth Avenue School was “like one big family.” She taught generations of some families taking care of their needs – from their quest for knowledge to their heat in school and even food and clothing.

2004 Education Hall of Fame

Ruby Rivers was a teacher who taught 20 years and promoted brotherhood in the critical early phases of integration. She was a Title I teacher and teacher’s aide. Serving as state representative for NCAE-ESP, the state’s association for teachers and support personnel, district representative, as well as, vice president, she lobbied for improved salaries and work conditions. She was a devoted housewife and mother and set high standards for all.

2004 Education Hall of Fame

The most winning ladies basketball coach in North Carolina state history with 702 victories, Tom Pryor is in the NC High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Coaching his alma mater, Edneyville, to several titles from 1957 until 1993, he instilled in his players pride, self-confidence, discipline, dedication and drive. Coach Tom Pryor is a winner, leader, motivator and gentleman.

2004 Education Hall of Fame

Vernon Johnson was oldest brother to Leander Johnson. These close-knit siblings stayed together throughout their lives – from college to helping their mother, Sallie Leverett Johnson, run a summer retreat now known as the Historic Johnson Farm located on N.C. 191. The final and largest gift they left was deeding their 15 acre homestead to the schools of Henderson County. “Their gift was their legacy – loving, learning and a great concern for the education of children.”

2004 Education Hall of Fame

Leander Johnson, along with his brother Vernon, generously gave unique learning opportunities by donating their homestead for the Historic Johnson Farm heritage learning center. The brothers also gave land for Rugby Middle School across N.C. 191 from their home. They were country boys. “Vernon and Leander Johnson cared more for the learning opportunities by the children of Henderson County than for fame and recognition.”

2004 Education Hall of Fame

John Foster served as Superintendent of Henderson County Schools from 1953-1970, a period which marked the largest growth in facilities and student population due to the Baby Boom. His career spanned 43 years. He consolidated the county’s six small high schools into one system and purchased a new administration building. He was a founding trustee of Henderson County Technical Institute now BRCC. “Mr. Foster was one of the most pleasantly persistent men, who tended to be quiet, never aggressive and always treated everyone special.”

2004 Education Hall of Fame

An avid supporter of education for Hendersonville City Schools, Frank Ewbank served as a School Board member and as its chairman from 1983-1993. He was a founding trustee of Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC), and was later president of the BRCC Educational Foundation. Business and love for education were combined in his activities, as he was a well-rounded intellectual, goal-driven individual with a strong work ethic.

2004 Education Hall of Fame